How to Advance Your Career as a Job Seeker

Dear Job Seeker, So, the holidays are over. You've put the holiday decorations away. You are getting back to the gym to address those five extra pounds that *mysteriously* you saw on the scale. January is the time to revitalize your job search. I know many of you slacked off in December. You may have wanted to keep at it at full speed, but let's be real. Other fun things took priority. So now you need to get back to work. For others, you have decided now is the time to make a move. You have had some time off, and that break helped you realize you are unhappy at work. You want something more. You want something different. So what should you do? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬. I am not here to tell you there are any magical shortcuts. I have been in the recruiting business for most of my career. And I haven't found any workarounds. Here is what I advise. 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲. 🔍Reflect: Review your skills, accomplishments, and career aspirations from the past year. What valuable lessons did you learn? What notable milestones did you achieve? 🎯 Set Clear Goals: Define your career goals for the year ahead. Clarity is your compass, whether it's a new position, a promotion, or a career shift. 💡 Skill Enhancement: Identify areas for skill refinement and invest time honing your expertise. Online courses, workshops, and certifications can give you a leg up over your competition. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬. 📝 Update Your Resume: Give your resume a thoughtful refresh (or even rewrite it if more than three years old). Highlight your achievements and tailor them to the specific roles you're eyeing. 🌐 Leverage Your Network: Reach out to your professional contacts for guidance, recommendations, and potential opportunities. Networking remains a powerful asset! 📅 Create a Job Search Schedule: Treat your job search with the same dedication as a work commitment. Allocate specific times each day/week to search, apply, and follow up. 🔗 Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects your latest accomplishments and professional aspirations. Make it keyword-rich for enhanced visibility. 👥 Engage in Industry Conversations: Join relevant LinkedIn or Facebook groups, participate in meaningful discussions, and showcase your wealth of experience. Visibility often leads to unexpected opportunities. I wish I could tell you to skip these steps. But in my experience, doing all these steps is what successful job seekers do. Let's inspire each other to make 2024 a year of professional triumphs! -------- Hi, I am Shelley, a former recruiter and now a career coach. I support job seekers who need help knowing what they want to do next or the best way or tools to get what they want. ♻️Repost this if it will help someone in your network.♻️

Worried about finding a job? Last week I met an amazing young gentleman Who is looking to find a job in data science. As I talked with him and shared the steps That worked very well for me in the past, I realized that these might help many Folks who are actively job-seeking. So, I wrote this Friday #GetHired2025 post. It might help folks who are: 1. About to graduate in the #Classof2025. 2. Been job searching for a few months. 3. Recently affected by various layoffs. You're probably getting worried and stressed About finding a steady position, and soon, So that you can get on with your life! News stories like these can affect your momentum. Pessimism in careers: https://lnkd.in/gtGdRN7e Hiring holds up: https://lnkd.in/gwGkg2w6 First, let go of all fears and refocus on your purpose. If finding a job and growing your career matters, You will need to approach it with a strategy. Random applications are perfectly fine, But they often create a false sense of Security in having done "something." Follow my "Take FIVE Strategy" Actionable Insights for Every Weekday: 1. Write down 5 job titles that pertain to you. --> Focus on why and how you qualify. --> Job titles can be generic so specificity matters. 2. Find 5 job postings for each job title --> If you can't find 5 openings, the job doesn't exist. --> Look for alternative job titles to seek out. 3. Identify 5 keywords in each job posting. --> You will see many keywords repeating. --> Embed these words in your resume. 4. Reach out to and network with 5 professionals --> Connect with and follow 5 leaders in your field. --> Do this everyday - that's 25 people a week! 5. Create 5 customized Job Applications --> Use #AI tools or LinkedIn tools to add value. --> Try to reach out to recruiter if you can. Quantity or bulk applying are not sufficient In a competitive job market to stand out. You need to demonstrate the quality & The value that you bring along when You apply to any organization. It takes work to find work! Follow Dr. Kruti Lehenbauer & Analytics TX, LLC for #PostitStatistics #DataScience #Economics tips. P.S.: What is your biggest fear about jobs right now?

In your head the voice says, ‘what is wrong with me? Why is this so ridiculously hard?' It's Wednesday, still nothing in your in box. You've sent out hundreds of applications, spent hours tweaking your resume, and followed all the "expert" advice—yet the silence is deafening. No callbacks. No interviews. No signs of progress. You have been at this for months. It feels like you’re shouting into the void, and it’s exhausting. Here’s the hard truth: If your job search isn’t working, sending out even more applications won’t fix it. So what will? That’s where most job seekers get stuck. They think they’re doing everything right—but they’re missing key strategies that could change everything. Here’s What You Need to Do Differently: 1. Apply to fewer jobs—but the right ones. If you’re applying to hundreds of jobs with no response, chances are you’re applying to roles where you don’t meet the core qualifications. Instead, focus on jobs where you’re at least 80% qualified. Quality applications beat mass applying every time. 2. Apply early—timing matters. Recruiters get flooded with applications. If you wait too long, the hiring team may already be deep into interviews before your resume is even seen. Apply within the first 24-48 hours of a posting for the best shot. You can see < than 10 applicants in LinkedIn under filters. 3. Your resume is working against you if it’s too generic. If your resume is just a list of responsibilities, you’re blending in—not standing out. Employers want impact, not just duties. Quantify your achievements. Show results. Tell your own ROI story. And most importantly, tailor your resume for every role. 4. Networking is no longer optional. You can’t just apply and hope. The most successful job seekers are strategically networking—connecting with hiring managers, engaging on LinkedIn, and securing referrals. Most jobs are filled before they’re even posted. If you’re not networking, you’re missing opportunities. 5. You’re doing this alone—and that’s the problem. The job search is isolating. It’s easy to spiral into frustration and self-doubt when you’re navigating it alone. But the most effective job seekers? They lean into a community of like-minded professionals, learning, sharing insights, and keeping each other accountable. Join our Tuesday late afternoon Community: https://lnkd.in/gAAkPxEc If what you’ve been doing isn’t working, it’s time to change your approach. Mass applying won’t get you there. A strategic, focused, and connected job search will. Let's get clarity. I want to help. Find time here: https://lnkd.in/gsgKk8vc